James Maddison (29) reportedly complained about Ange Postecoglou's (60) tactics while sitting alongside Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham).
The British 'Sports Bible' reported on the 7th (Korean time) that 'James Maddison expressed his dissatisfaction to manager Ange Postecoglou during the match against AZ Alkmaar.'
Tottenham lost 0-1 to AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of the 16th round of the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League held at AZ Stadion in Alkmaar, Netherlands, at 2:45 a.m. on the same day. As a result of another disappointing performance, they find themselves in a situation where they must win the second leg.
In the early stages of the match, Tottenham aimed for the opening goal but instead conceded the lead with an own goal. In the 18th minute of the first half, a corner kick situation saw a shot from Perrot deflect off the foot of Berriball and go into the net.
Tottenham, finishing the first half down 0-1, struggled to manage the game in the second half as well. Ultimately, Son Heung-min and Maddison were replaced by Wilson Odobert and Dominic Solanke. However, Solanke, who returned, collapsed due to another injury, and Dane Scarlett was substituted in as a result of this misfortune.
Tottenham left both the content and the result of the match feeling disappointed. Despite having an advantage in strength, they struggled against the opponent's game management and failed to create proper chances. Furthermore, losing Solanke, who was making his return from injury, added to their personnel loss.
In the 34th minute of the first half, a communication issue arose between Son Heung-min and Maddison. Maddison made a short pass to Son Heung-min during a free kick situation, but Son Heung-min made an error while controlling the ball, wasting the opportunity. Subsequently, Maddison was seen expressing his dissatisfaction towards Son Heung-min.
Son Heung-min and Maddison were sluggish throughout the game. Son Heung-min recorded three shots, but there were no threatening moments. He did not create any chances, managing only one successful dribble, one successful cross, and one touch in the box. Maddison had two touches in the box, made seven passes in the attacking area, and had a passing accuracy of 90% (35/39) but failed to create any chances or shots. Eventually, both players were substituted out in the 72nd minute.
The two players heading to the bench continued their conversation after the match, unable to hide their dissatisfied expressions.
The issue is that the scene of the two players conversing, particularly the shape of Maddison's mouth, was captured by the broadcast camera.
Sports Bible reported, 'Tottenham fans claim that during the Europa League round of 16, Maddison was captured expressing dissatisfaction to coach Postecoglou in front of the broadcast camera.'
It further noted, 'On social media, there has been an outpouring of criticism that Tottenham players did not put in proper effort during the match, but coach Postecoglou refuted this in a post-match interview.'
Postecoglou said, 'It was not a matter of effort or attitude. The players did not go out and fail to do their best. The problem was that they did not have the right mindset required for European away games.'
The media stated, 'During the match, fans claimed that the broadcast camera captured Maddison sitting on the bench with captain Son Heung-min, and they discovered a scene where he seemed to question the manager's tactics. It is unclear exactly what Maddison said, but fans are attempting to interpret his words on social media.'
According to reports, 'He clearly mumbles, 'Always the same play style, what is he watching?' analyzing the shape of his mouth and asserting, 'This is a problem that we can all see as fans, and the match result proves it. Even the players are pointing out this issue during the game.'
Another fan criticized, 'The biggest problem in yesterday's game was that the players did not know what they had to do.'
One fan speculated, 'If we look seriously, it seems he said, 'Player.' Looking again, it could also be a reference to pointing out that one of the opposing players kept committing minor fouls while avoiding a warning.'
Analysis of Maddison's mouth shape emerged in domestic football communities, with fans speculating that he said, 'Always the same plan.'
[OSEN = Jung Seung-woo, reporter]